Epilepsy NZ Struggles to find Replacement Office After Earthquake

ENZ is struggling to find a replacement office in Christchurch after the last office was destroyed in the February earthquake. Prices being asked for rent in the city are well in excess of the funding budget for a non-profit organisation, such as ENZ. We are appealing for anyone who knows of any available office space in Christchurch at a charitable rate to call (03) 379 8175 or email national@epilepsy.org.nz.

Ode To Joy Brings Christchurch Rebuild Hope

The Polish community in Christchurch understands what it means to rebuild a city and restore lost heritage so they have organised a concert to fundraise for the restoration of the Art’s Centre. Acclaimed pianist Dr Anna Kijanowska is flying out from the US to join flautist Adrianna Lis and soprano Olga Gryniewicz in a programme of uplifting classical pieces from Chopin, Beethoven, Schubert and Saint-Saëns in a concert entitled Ode to Joy. Christchurch composer,Anthony Ritchie, has composed a piece for the event called Polish Dances.

Roger Sutton to be CEO of CERA

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee is welcoming the news that Roger Sutton is to be the permanent CEO of Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA). Roger Sutton has experience as CEO of Orion Networks and has a great understanding of the extent of earthquake damage in Canterbury, and the need for recovery. John Ombler, interim CEO of CERA, has done an outstanding job and will assist with the transition.

Skills for Canterbury in Budget 2011

Budget 2011 will provide up to $42 million for trades training for the Canterbury region, Tertiary education Minister Steven Joyce says. Funding is being set aside for up to 1500 additional training places as part of a comprehensive cross-agency response to meet additional demand for labour for the reconstruction programme called “Skills for Canterbury”.